Hilton Takes Down Signs from Hampton Inn Following Allegations of Refusing DHS Agents
DHS Public Affairs Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin discusses ICE crackdowns in Minneapolis and arrests of Afghan criminal migrants released under the Biden administration on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
Hilton Hotels is taking significant steps to distance itself from the Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, which allegedly denied service to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents. The hotel chain has begun removing its signage from the property, a move that follows reports of the hotel’s refusal to accommodate ICE agents.
This action is part of Hilton’s broader strategy to sever ties with the Lakeville Hampton Inn, which operates independently under Everpeak Hospitality. While Hampton by Hilton Hotels are primarily owned and operated by independent franchisees, they must adhere to Hilton’s brand standards.
Workers were seen removing the signs on Wednesday, shortly after Reuters reported that Hilton Worldwide Holdings had officially delisted the property from its system.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLT | HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | 298.33 | +4.83 | +1.65% |
HILTON DISTANCES ITSELF FROM MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL AFTER ICE AGENTS DENIED ROOMS
The controversy erupted when DHS officials claimed that the hotel “refused to accommodate ICE agents” in a post on X. Screenshots of emails from the Hampton Inn staff indicated that the hotel would not allow ICE or other immigration agents to stay, further fueling the backlash.
Signage is removed from the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The hotel is at the center of a controversy over the accommodation of ICE agents. (Alpha News)
In response to the incident, Hilton stated that it is investigating the matter and emphasized that the actions of the Lakeville hotel do not reflect the company’s values. A spokesperson for Hilton remarked, “Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values.” The company reiterated its commitment to working with governments and law enforcement to ensure that its properties remain open and inviting to everyone.
Signage is removed from the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The hotel is at the center of a controversy over the accommodation of ICE agents. (Alpha News)
Everpeak Hospitality also issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to welcoming all guests and adhering to brand standards and applicable laws. Following the leak of the emails, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed her disapproval, stating, “Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?”
The Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, where ICE says agents’ reservations were canceled, prompting a Hilton investigation. (Google Maps / Google Maps)
While many online have condemned the hotel’s actions, some social media users have praised the refusal to serve ICE agents. One user expressed her elation at the agents being turned away, hoping that other hotels would follow suit.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
Hilton has long sought to distance itself from any involvement in immigration detention. In 2020, the company firmly stated that “hotels should be places of hospitality, and the detainment of migrants, including minors, is not activity that we support or in any way want associated with our hotels.”
FOX Business’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
DHS Public Affairs Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin discusses ICE crackdowns in Minneapolis and arrests of Afghan criminal migrants released under the Biden administration on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
Hilton Hotels is taking significant steps to distance itself from the Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, which allegedly denied service to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents. The hotel chain has begun removing its signage from the property, a move that follows reports of the hotel’s refusal to accommodate ICE agents.
This action is part of Hilton’s broader strategy to sever ties with the Lakeville Hampton Inn, which operates independently under Everpeak Hospitality. While Hampton by Hilton Hotels are primarily owned and operated by independent franchisees, they must adhere to Hilton’s brand standards.
Workers were seen removing the signs on Wednesday, shortly after Reuters reported that Hilton Worldwide Holdings had officially delisted the property from its system.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLT | HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | 298.33 | +4.83 | +1.65% |
HILTON DISTANCES ITSELF FROM MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL AFTER ICE AGENTS DENIED ROOMS
The controversy erupted when DHS officials claimed that the hotel “refused to accommodate ICE agents” in a post on X. Screenshots of emails from the Hampton Inn staff indicated that the hotel would not allow ICE or other immigration agents to stay, further fueling the backlash.
Signage is removed from the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The hotel is at the center of a controversy over the accommodation of ICE agents. (Alpha News)
In response to the incident, Hilton stated that it is investigating the matter and emphasized that the actions of the Lakeville hotel do not reflect the company’s values. A spokesperson for Hilton remarked, “Hilton hotels serve as welcoming places for all. This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values.” The company reiterated its commitment to working with governments and law enforcement to ensure that its properties remain open and inviting to everyone.
Signage is removed from the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The hotel is at the center of a controversy over the accommodation of ICE agents. (Alpha News)
Everpeak Hospitality also issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to welcoming all guests and adhering to brand standards and applicable laws. Following the leak of the emails, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed her disapproval, stating, “Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?”
The Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, where ICE says agents’ reservations were canceled, prompting a Hilton investigation. (Google Maps / Google Maps)
While many online have condemned the hotel’s actions, some social media users have praised the refusal to serve ICE agents. One user expressed her elation at the agents being turned away, hoping that other hotels would follow suit.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
Hilton has long sought to distance itself from any involvement in immigration detention. In 2020, the company firmly stated that “hotels should be places of hospitality, and the detainment of migrants, including minors, is not activity that we support or in any way want associated with our hotels.”
FOX Business’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
